In a tough playoff match last week on the road against Damonte Ranch, Bishop Manogue fell to a score of 64-54. The Miners had a strong opening quarter, but they couldn’t maintain that momentum as they fell short in the second half.

Bishop Manogue jumped out to a 14-11 lead after the first quarter which showed some promise for the Miner basketball team. The team showed great shooting and defense. Damonte Ranch responded strongly in the second quarter, outshooting the Miners 13-11 to make Manogue’s lead one point at half.

Jeriah Macias led the way for Damonte Ranch with 16 points and Amari Nash was another key contributor shooting an efficient 75% from the field. This helped Damonte Ranch outscore the Miners 17-9 in the third quarter which gave the Mustangs a lead that they couldn’t come back from.

Despite trailing entering the fourth, the Miners fought hard to mount a fourth quarter comeback. Led by Eli Brenna who scored 12 points and Liam Sorensen who scored 11 points, the team scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, but Damonte Ranch held firm scoring 23 points of their own to finish the game. The Miners lost 64-54.

“It was a rough game and we didn’t have the best start. We could’ve been stronger on the defensive side with better communication and play with a little more effort. But the outcome is what it is and I’m happy that we went out fighting rather than giving up,” Eli Kirwan said.

With this loss, Bishop Manogue’s season came to a disappointing end. However, the young core of the team, with key underclassmen contributors provide hope for the future of the basketball program. The Miners will use this playoff experience as a building block to bounce back for a stronger season next year.